Metabolic reprogramming in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Qian Liu; Ann M Bode; Xue Chen; Xiangjian Luo

doi:10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189023

Metabolic reprogramming in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer. 2023 Nov;1878(6):189023. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189023. Epub 2023 Nov 16.

Authors

Qian Liu¹, Ann M Bode², Xue Chen³, Xiangjian Luo⁴

Affiliations

¹ NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China.
² The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA.
³ Early Clinical Trial Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China. Electronic address: chenxue@hnca.org.cn.
⁴ NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China. Electronic address: luocsu@csu.edu.cn.

PMID: 37979733
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189023

Abstract

The high prevalence of metabolic reprogramming in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) offers an abundance of potential therapeutic targets. This review delves into the distinct mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming in NPC, including enhanced glycolysis, nucleotide synthesis, and lipid metabolism. All of these changes are modulated by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, hypoxia, and tumor microenvironment. We highlight the role of metabolic reprogramming in the development of NPC resistance to standard therapies, which represents a challenging barrier in treating this malignancy. Furthermore, we dissect the state of the art in therapeutic strategies that target these metabolic changes, evaluating the successes and failures of clinical trials and the strategies to tackle resistance mechanisms. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and future directions in this field, this review sets the stage for new therapeutic avenues in NPC.

Keywords: Cancer therapy; Metabolic reprogramming; Nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Carcinoma* / metabolism
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / complications
Herpesvirus 4, Human / metabolism
Humans
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma / metabolism
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma / pathology
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms* / metabolism
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms* / pathology
Tumor Microenvironment